Jeson rips Mexican, marches to quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed Jeson Patrombon fought back from one-set down to beat a limping Mexican No. 14 Luis Patino, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, and seal a quarterfinal berth in the 22nd Mitsubishi-Lancer International Junior Championships yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Patrombon blew a 4-1 lead in dropping the first set but got his bearings back and pounced on the limited mobility of a cramps-stricken Patino from the late stages of the second onwards to pull off the win in two hours and 10 minutes.

The world No. 9 Filipino next faces Australian Nick Kyrgios, his sights set on a semifinal slot in the Grade 1 netfest. Kyrgios advanced via a 6-3, 6-3 drubbing of American Roberto Cid.

Patrombon appeared headed to an easy romp against Patino as he stormed to a 3-0 headstart and a 4-1 lead. But netter from Mazatlan, Mexico took the next three games to draw level, aided by Patrombon’s over-eagerness to land the big shots and close out the set. Patrombon made it 5-4 but Patino won the succeeding games to steal the opening set.

“Medyo nag-relax ako doon kaya nakahabol siya, nagka-kumpyansa siya at naunahan ako. Pero simula noong second set ay nag-focus na ako uli. (I relaxed a bit after posting the 4-1 lead and he gained confidence. But from the second set on, I kept my focus on the match),” said Patrombon.

Heeding the instruction of coach Manny Tecson, the 17-year-old Patrombon tried to rally more to set up his shots instead of rushing his attacks. And it paid off as the Phl ace seized a 3-0 edge to start the second en route to a 6-1 verdict.

It also helped that Patino was stymied by cramps on his right thigh and could offer little resistance in the homestretch.

“Kinapitan ko na nang husto at sa bandang huli, bumigay na siya, nag-cramps. Ang advantage ko lang, 100 percent ako (Once I regained control, I never let go. I was in good shape, that’s my advantage against him),” said Patrombon.

Patrombon and Kiwi partner Jaden Grinter, the fourth seeds, were playing Canadians Samuel Monette and Filip Peliwo in the boys’ doubles’ Last 16 at presstime.

Also in Round 2 were Filipino Jurence Mendoza and Thai Warit Sornbutnark, who upstaged Australian pair Luke Saville and Joey Swaysland, 6-4, 7-6 (9).

A giant upset rocked the girls’ singles with No. 1 Japanese Miyu Kato falling to American 15th seed Stephanie Sauta, 3-6, 3-6.